"I've been reading all about it. It's a big deal, especially because the U.S. is in the spotlight surrounding the whole world regarding Syria and what's going to happen there. I was reading the papers online, and they were welding together all the manholes in the ground just to make sure no one can get in. You don't see that in Sweden often.

"We're honored to have him. It's a big deal."

-Daniel Afredsson of the Detroit Red Wings on President Obama visiting Sweden. Helene St.James of the Detroit Free Press has more from Zetterberg and Kronwall.

added 3:05pm, I tweeted early this morning of President Obama thanking the Swedes for their hockey players, here is the full quote via USA TODAY,

"I should mention on behalf of hockey fans back home in Chicago, I have to say how grateful our championship Blackhawks are for their several teammates who hail from Sweden," said Obama during a joint news conference with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt on Wednesday. "So that's been an excellent export that we gladly accept."